christian music review

Marvin Sapp's I Win

By Jae Rae Guest Critic

CBN.com
 Many words could aptly describe Marvin's Sapp’s CD I Win, but powerful and extraordinary resound as the most poignant.

Holocaust survivor Corrie Ten Boom once said, "You may never know that Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have." I Win resonates this truth with a deep expression of worship stemming from Sapp's personal trial and victorious journey. I Win is Sapp's first album since the passing of his wife MaLinda, who died of colon cancer in September 2010.

His first single, "My Testimony", catalogs his journey of suffering with eloquent transparency. Coupled with his overcoming authority, Sapp's transparency thunders with great triumph as a profound sound of victory in Christ amidst suffering which sets the stage for a prophetic challenge to the listener. Other songs, including "Never", "I Belong to You" and "Deeper", are timely songs of worship for today's challenging times.

"Deeper" is a compelling clarion call to search new depths in God, trusting Him even more for the future. This song could easily be found in rotation on Contemporary Christian music stations and sung in sanctuaries, as a song of worship in seeking more in God.

Victory is an evident theme found on every track of I Win. "Keep It Movin", with its anthemic declarations, is one that will have you clapping your hands in victory while singing, "I believe there is a winner in me." This live worship experience with Marvin Sapp is electrifying in its musical presentation and vocal excellence with an engaging audience to enhance its authenticity. Reminiscent of Israel Houghton, you enter the live worship experience with great expectation that is met.

Ingeniously, the intro creatively segues to the thunderous anthem "Teach My Hands for War", taking the listener to new heights of authority in worship with its call. This track has an added hint of Manhattan Transfer style vocals, declaring scriptural references of victory, with gutsy bass overtones and electrifying, warring drums. "Teach My Hands to War" will have you on your feet and hitting repeat.

I Win is a profound catalog of music, of Sapp's overcoming and victorious journey in Christ that proves to be a timely prophetic expression of worship encouraging the listener in today's uncertain times.